Ask any native of Portland about longtime Rep. Earl Blumenauer and they may talk about his trademark bow ties or his affinity for bike culture—noticeable even when he’s not traversing on two wheels because of the bicycle pin he proudly wears on his lapel. Or, perhaps, they may just say Blumenauer is quintessentially Portland.
In October 2023, Blumenauer announced his retirement from Congress at the end of the current term. Among the most recognizable House members from the Pacific Northwest, Blumenauer’s announcement effectively ended a political career that spanned a half-century, which he acknowledged in a statement announcing his intentions.
“For fifty years, I have served in elected office at every level—as a State Legislator, Multnomah County Commissioner, Portland City Council member, and for 28 years as a member of Congress,” Blumenauer said. “It is a difficult decision, particularly after the amazing success of the last several years. But simply said, it is time to continue my life’s mission without the burden of day-to-day politics.”
While Blumenauer is best known for his biking advocacy—and those ubiquitous bow ties—he’s been vocal on a host of issues including the environment, the war on drugs, healthcare, and much more. Before his time in public office, Blumenauer was also involved in the movement that led to the ratification in 1971 of the 26th Amendment to the Constitution, which lowered the voting age from 21 to 18. In an interview for NEA Today, Blumenauer reflected on the ambitious campaign.
“We were earnest young people who were out there trying to get inside the system and advocate on behalf of democratic ideals,” Blumenauer said. “We had a network…and a cause that we believed in fervently.”
While it was impossible to know at the time, Blumenauer’s participation in the largely youth-led movement was a harbinger of things to come as he parlayed it into a decades-long career in politics.
Before his election to Congress in 1996, Blumenauer served in the Oregon State Legislature and the Portland City Council, among other stops. He’s served 14 consecutive terms in Congress—a run that will end at the conclusion of this term.
During that time, he has authored and co-sponsored various bills that improved international water policy, banned the illegal imports of harvested timber, and championed legislation to help citizens of Iraq and Afghanistan that supported U.S. operations gain legal status in the United States.
Beyond that, he is seen as a fierce opponent of the war on drugs, co-founding the Congressional Cannabis Caucus. As an advocate for bicycling and safe streets, he also founded the Congressional Bicycle Caucus, which has proposed various bills to incentivize cycling. He currently has a seat on the influential Ways and Means Committee, which has a significant role in shaping taxation and economic policy.
Blumenauer’s storied career is a testament to his ability to connect the personal to the political. From his early days as a young activist fighting to lower the voting age, to his decades in public office advocating for progressive policies, Blumenauer has consistently shown a commitment to grassroots organizing and collective action.
As he prepares to step away from the daily grind of politics, Blumenauer’s legacy as a champion of progressive causes—from environmental protection to drug policy reform—is secure. His retirement marks the end of an era, but the movements and coalitions he helped build will undoubtedly continue to shape the political landscape in Oregon and beyond for years to come.
Image Sources
- United States Congress, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Changes were made.
- House Creative Services, Kristie Baxter, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Changes were made.
Image Description: Earl Blumenauer in 1997 and again in 2019. He wears a bowtie in both photos.
Rashed Mian
